Gospel performer releases CD, returns to blues

9:38 PM,
Dec. 25, 2013

Leo 'Bud' Welch, 81, will ring in the new year Tuesday at Red's Lounge.

Written by

Scott Barretta

A rising star of Mississippi's downhome blues scene is 81-year-old Leo "Bud" Welch, who's already well known as a gospel performer in his home of Bruce. Since returning to the blues actively earlier this year, Welch has played regularly at Red's Lounge and Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, as well as at the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival in Greenville.

On Tuesday, Welch and his guitar will ring in the New Year at Red's Lounge.

Welch has also just recorded his debut CD, "Sabougla Voices," for Oxford-based Big Legal Mess, a subsidiary label of Fat Possum. Lyrically, the CD consists of all ...